Between Heresy and Orthodoxy: A Survey of Russian Religious Thought

Catalog description

This course focuses on Russian religious thought and its impact on culture, literature, and art. Beginning with a historical overview, it will examine the first engagements of 19th century thinkers including Fyodor Dostoevsky with Russian theology and with members of the clergy. The central unit will focus on the late 19th-early 20th century, particularly the works of Vladimir Soloviev, Pavel Florensky, and Leo Tolstoy. We will examine the impact of leading figures’ writings and faith practices on the transformation of discourse around the Russian Orthodox Church as well as on key debates surrounding corporeality, sexual and platonic love, and salvation.